Local interest in Lee Jung-hoo (25, Kiwoom Heroes) is soaring every day. 

On the 11th (Korean time), MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball (MLB), selected the best players by position for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) to be held in March. Lee Jung-hoo was named in the outfield (three) category along with Mike Trout (LA Angels) and Mookie Betts (LA Dodgers). 

MLB.com presupposed that this list was “determined not only by grades but also by the degree of interest in each country,” and said, “Lee Jung-hoo may not be the best outfielder in the WBC, but he is the most interesting player.” Following this, Lee Jung-hoo’s performance in the KBO League in the 2022 season (batting average of 0.349, 23 homers, on-base percentage of 0.421, and slugging percentage of 0.575), the MVP award, and the situation that he will challenge the MLB stage after the 2023 season was told. He added that this WBC will be a kind of showcase for Lee Jung-hoo. 

Trout is the best active hitter who has won the MLB American League (AL) MVP three times (2014, 2016, 2019). Betts is the player who led the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and the Dodgers to win the World Series in 2020. He is also the 2018 AL MVP. Lee Jung-hoo was put on the same list as them. MLB.com simply put the current MLB카지노 representative outfielders, such as Juan Soto (San Diego Padres), Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta Braves), and Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros), on the list of ‘honorable mentions’. 

Last month, Lee Jung-hoo signed a contract with Boras Corporation, led by ‘Super Agent’ Scott Boras, and began preparing to enter the MLB in earnest. 
The interest of local media in the United States also grew. On the 9th, the New York Post specifically introduced Lee Jung-hoo’s 2022 season record of only 32 strikeouts while getting 66 walks, saying, “It is necessary to pay attention to Group B, which has Korean Professional Baseball MVP Lee Jung-hoo.”

The media conveyed the evaluation of the MLB club scout, “It is difficult to experience the (fast) speed of an MLB pitcher in the KBO League. Lee Jung-hoo will not be used to it,” but “Lee Jung-hoo has contact, focus, and throwing ability, and he is also a pioneer. It’s good. His batting stance is somewhat unusual and he lacks strength, but he knows how to produce (good) results.” 

MLB.com also introduced information on the participating countries before delivering the best players by position, saying, “Lee Jung-hoo, who is scheduled to challenge the MLB after the 2023 season, can cause a sensation. Get ready to hear his name a lot this year (2023).” raised up 

Currently, Lee Jung-hoo is digesting his team’s first spring camp at Salt River Field in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Every day, scouts from MLB clubs such as the Dodgers and the Boston and San Francisco Giants are looking for him. He is closely watching not only hitting, but also defensive training. Clubs are showing interest first, even if Boras doesn’t put much effort into sales. 

Lee Jung-hoo changed his batting form from his inactive period. He develops the ability to handle the ball quickly, and he is determined to play an active part in the WBC and make a soft landing in the MLB. His stance was narrowed in his preparation position, and the top (position of holding the bat in his preparation position) was also lowered from near the ear to below the ear. His signature lower body movement, which he did by pulling his right foot back and forward, has also become more streamlined. He is quietly preparing for the WBC and the 2023 season.